broad arrow

American  

noun

1. a mark in the shape of a broad arrowhead, placed upon British government property.

2. Archery. an arrow having an expanded head.

3. Heraldry. pheon.

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broad arrow British  

noun

1. a mark shaped like a broad arrowhead designating British government property and formerly used on prison clothing

2. an arrow with a broad head

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Etymology

Origin of broad arrow

1350–1400; Middle English brod arwe

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

broad arrow

Social significance marks some of the sculptures: one has the broad arrow of the British "Ban the Bomb" movement.

From Time Magazine Archive

The position was not ideal, the formation being that of a broad arrow, with the two Army Corps practically at right angles to one another.

From The First Seven Divisions Being a Detailed Account of the Fighting from Mons to Ypres by Hamilton, Ernest W.

I purchased the file because it was marked with the Government broad arrow.

From In the Arctic Seas A Narrative of the Discovery of the Fate of Sir John Franklin and his Companions by McClintock, Francis Leopold

A burned device or character, especially that of the broad arrow on government stores, to deface or erase which is felony.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

The broad arrow of the King was marked on all white pines, twenty-four inches in diameter, three feet from the ground.

From The Old Coast Road From Boston to Plymouth by Rothery, Agnes